Eppendorf: Hiking, Village Church and Discoveries on the Ore Mountains

Eppendorf lies on the northern edge of the Ore Mountains. Traces of a former hunting lodge, a large village church, a Song Trail and an open-air swimming pool give the town its many facets: you can explore its history and crafts, plan walks through the region or combine your stay with a day of swimming. This mix can help you decide while planning your trip which experiences you would like to focus on.

History and Crafts in Eppendorf

Around 1560, Elector Augustus commissioned a hunting lodge. The Fürstenkeller and the former prince's garden near the old grammar school remain as traces of the former complex. The Eppendorf church offers a different historical landmark: it is one of Saxony's largest village churches and was consecrated in 1865. Its tower is 47 metres high, and the Göthel organ also dates from 1865. Guided tours can be arranged.

Crafts are also part of the town's cultural attractions. Björn Köhler, associated with Kunsthandwerk Köhler in Eppendorf, is a trained master woodturner. The manufactory's figures are made predominantly by hand—from the initial design to the final finishing touches. Alongside the church and traces of the hunting lodge, this offers another perspective on Eppendorf's history and design, showing that the town's culture is not centred on just one building.

Trails, Song Stones and Excursion Destinations

The Eppendorf region has a well-developed network of cycling and riding trails. There is also something special to discover on foot: 23 song stones stand along the hiking trails of the Song Trail. Audio recordings of the printed folk and hiking songs, made by the Eppendorf folk choir, are available on site. The printed songs and their audio versions at the stones complement each other.

Another excursion destination is the Anton-Günther stone in Gersberg Forest, near Eppendorf. The European long-distance hiking trails E3 and EB run through the wider Ore Mountains region. The Zschopau Valley Trail and the Flöha Valley Trail are also highlights in the surrounding area. These names give you a sense of the different hiking options, from the local Song Trail to routes that are part of the wider region.

A Day of Swimming for a Change of Pace

Eppendorf's open-air swimming pool offers an alternative to days spent hiking and sightseeing. Its 50-metre pool is divided into swimming and non-swimming areas. There is also a water slide and a separate paddling pool. The facilities include a large sunbathing lawn and an adjoining recreation area. Parking is available right by the pool, and a kiosk sells drinks and snacks. This makes it easy to weigh up the pool against the trails and cultural attractions when deciding what kind of day to plan.

Planning Your Stay in Eppendorf

When choosing accommodation, start by thinking about the mix of activities you want each day: should hiking trails and excursion destinations shape your stay, or would you also like to include the church, local crafts and open-air swimming pool? Federal highways 101, 173, 174 and 180 are all within 10 kilometres of Eppendorf. Direct bus services run to destinations including Zschopau, Augustusburg, Flöha, Chemnitz, Oederan and Brand-Erbisdorf. These destinations and trails offer different ways to plan your trip; check the connections that suit your specific travel dates. When looking for accommodation, you can first decide whether you would rather focus on outdoor activities in the region, discoveries in town or a combination of both.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Hartmannsdorf, Lichtenau, Rochlitz, Brand-Erbisdorf, Roßwein, Freiberg, Großschirma, Kriebstein.

Back to the regional travel overview: Central Saxony.